Story: Peter Heals a Crippled Begger

Category: Early Church
Scriptures: Acts 3:1-3:10

Commentary

The verses tell us the man was lame from birth. His lifelong condition would be attested by the disciple Luke, a physician by trade (and author of the book of Acts).

The verses also tell us the lame man was taken to the temple every day. He would have been familiar to the people who regularly visited the temple. Thus, Peters act of healing would also have been validated by many people.The story also shows the disciples followed Jesus’ instructions to remain in Jerusalem. Peter and John were going to the temple when they met the lame beggar.

We often end our prayers with “in the name of Jesus”. But what does “in the name of Jesus really mean?

Thus, we immediately see the disciples using Jesus’ name as an indication of the authority under whom their miracles would continue to manifest. It’s important to remember that the miracle was granted by God, through faith the disciples developed from witnessing Jesus’ miraculous works on Earth. The disciples’ use of Jesus’ name outwardly acknowledges the source of their power rather than trying to take credit for the miracle.

“In Jesus’ name” is not a magical phrase or meaningless incantation that we use to get what we want. We use Jesus’ name in prayer to glorify him, to acknowledge that the power of God was manifested through Jesus, and that we appreciate and acknowledge Jesus’ sacrifice for us. God used Jesus to deliver a new message to us, and through use of his name, we continue God’s plan.

See Commentary

Acts 3:1-3:10

1 Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.

2 A certain man who was lame from his mother’s womb was being carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask gifts for the needy of those who entered into the temple.

3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive gifts for the needy.

4 Peter, fastening his eyes on him, with John, said, “Look at us.”

5 He listened to them, expecting to receive something from them.

6 But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”

7 He took him by the right hand, and raised him up. Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength.

8 Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God.

9 All the people saw him walking and praising God.

10 They recognized him, that it was he who used to sit begging for gifts for the needy at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.